Phased re-opening of charity shops

A Salvation Army spokesperson said: “The first of the stores to reopen from Monday 15 June will be some of the larger sites and donation centres operated by the Salvation Army Trading Company. Many shops including those run by the Salvation Army corps (churches) will only start the process of opening in July.

We have missed all our generous donors and loyal shoppers and are looking forward to welcoming them back but hope they understand that all our shops can’t open at once.

“We rely heavily on income from our charity shops to run services for vulnerable people and so while we are keen to open more shops, we are making careful preparations to help protect our customers, staff and the communities we work in.

“Many people have been clearing out their homes during lockdown and these goods could help raise funds for our work supporting rough sleepers and stocking our foodbanks which are busier than ever.

“If you find your local shop is not open yet, please hold on to your donation that bit longer or check to see if there is a clothing bank nearby.  We need your donations, but we can’t accept them if they are left outside shops or clothing banks and have to take them to landfill sites.

“Shops will do all they can to keep to their usual hours, but as they rely on volunteer availability there may be times when opening hours will alter at short notice.”

Chris Jestico, Head of Retail at the Salvation Army Trading Company added: “We are confident our preparations, which exceed Government guidance, will give customers a safe, positive and friendly shopping experience.

“Clothing bank collections are resuming; however, some work remains to clear fly-tipping which was left around the banks during the lockdown. People are reminded to only place donations in clothing banks which have room to accept donations and not to leave items outside.”